Don't expect LT on Sunday

While they're using phrases like “day to day” and “we'll see,” no one in the Chargers organization truly expects LaDainian Tomlinson to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.

But the Chargers will not place Tomlinson on injured reserve, in the hope that he still could play in the postseason.

“He might be able to play in another week if we were able to go on,” coach Norv Turner said. “Or maybe he could play in another week after that.”

The likelihood, according to sources, is that Tomlinson's severely strained groin will keep him out the rest of the postseason and will require surgery. But Turner reported yesterday that the injury “is not any worse” after Tomlinson played on it Saturday.

Michael Bennett, who was active for the first time Saturday after being acquired on waivers on Nov. 12, carried four times for 24 yards against the Indianapolis Colts and likely will get more work in Pittsburgh.

Darren Sproles looked as if he had gone 15 rounds as he walked from Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday after carrying 23 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

“We've got (Sproles) packed in ice back in the training room right now. We'll let him out on Friday,” Turner said with a laugh. “Yeah, there's a concern. He was absolutely exhausted. . . . We'll get him a lot of rest this week.

“Michael Bennett, we'll get him ready to go, and he's going to be able to do a little more than he did last week. We're down to the point where everyone's going to do whatever it takes.”

A.J. praises V.J.
General Manager A.J. Smith doles out his highest praise somewhat sparingly. But after watching Saturday night's game, one of his most glowing assessments was of a player who didn't touch the ball.

“I'm very proud of the effort and desire of our players,” Smith said yesterday. “I'm especially proud of Vincent Jackson's performances, and he didn't even catch a pass. The Colts' game plan was to take away Jackson, and they did an outstanding job.

“But Vincent gave 100 percent effort every snap all night. Every route was to perfection. He never pouted, never displayed frustration. He has become a true professional, an ultimate team player. You win championships with players like Vincent Jackson.”

While the Colts did a fine job covering Jackson, Jackson was open a handful of times. But on those plays QB Philip Rivers did not have the time to throw deep.

Nuts 'n' Bolts
Linebacker Antwan Applewhite (lower back), center Nick Hardwick (shoulder) and tight end Antonio Gates (ankle) likely will be limited this week but are expected to play. Linebacker Brandon Siler (foot) is expected to return this week. Kicker Nate Kaeding (groin) also is expected to be fine.

Turner is one of just three coaches since 1969 to have a losing record in the regular season (77-95-1) and winning postseason mark (4-2). Bill Callahan (15-17, 2-1) and Sam Wyche (84-107, 3-2) are the others.

The Chargers-Colts game earned NBC the highest overnight rating ever for a prime-time wild-card game and the highest for a Saturday wild-card game since 1999. The game earned an 18.3 rating and 30 share. The rating in San Diego was 38.6, down slightly from a 39.0 for last year's first playoff game. The local rating ranked second nationally only to Indianapolis (45.3).